Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced a 24-hour curfew to restore order and prevent further chaos in the state.
News About Nigeria reports that this decision comes after reports of looting and violence during the ongoing protests.
In a press conference following an emergency meeting with security officials, the governor expressed his concern and disappointment over the situation.
He stated that the protests, which were initially peaceful, had been taken over by criminals and thugs.
The governor explained that he had convened a meeting with traditional leaders, including the Emirs of Karaye, Rano, Gaya, and Kano, to engage in dialogue with the protest organisers.
He acknowledged the right to protest but stressed the need for peaceful and orderly conduct.
He assured the organisers that their grievances would be heard and forwarded to President Bola Tinubu.
Yusuf said, “We organised a stakeholder meeting with traditional leaders, including the four Emir’s of Karaye, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya, including Kano, to ensure that we dialogue with the organisers.”
He said during the meeting, he acknowledged that protest is a constitutional right but urged the organisers to conduct themselves in an orderly manner with a promise to receive their message and forward it to President Bola Tinubu.
“Our goal was to facilitate a peaceful dialogue with the protesters, and in the morning I received the protesters and received their message.
“While I commend those who conducted themselves peacefully, however, the protest was hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who went on looting properties and maiming innocent lives, aided by the enemies of the state,” Yusuf added.
According to the governor, his administration has already reported those suspected of sponsoring the hoodlums to the security agencies.
He eventually announced that, at the emergency security meeting, it was agreed that a 24-hour curfew would be put in place until peace and tranquility return to the state.
“Under the provisions of the Constitution and the powers vested in me as the Governor of Kano, I hereby order a 24-hour curfew in and around the state, till peace is returned,” he said.
The governor confirmed that some people were reportedly killed during the protest, while some thugs went on a rampage, breaking into shops and houses to loot properties.
